Raimo Big Bag Dispenser

The Environmental Benefits

Why is it important?

Burning wood and wood pellets as a source of heating in your house or office does not contribute to climate change.

Whilst it is true to say that some carbon dioxide is released when wood fuel is burned, these emissions are equivalent to the carbon dioxide the trees have already absorbed during their growing lifetime, see adjacent diagram.

Managed correctly, the provision of wood as a sustainable heating fuel can also help the rural economy by creating new businesses and providing employment opportunities in rural areas where once thriving agricultural businesses are now failing.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The table below illustrates the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere when various fuels are used.

As you can see, using home heating oil releases nearly 24 times the amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than using wood pellets. Only a fraction of this greenhouse gas can be absorbed naturally, the remainder hangs in the atmosphere contributing to the effects of global warming.

Weight of CO2 released per unit of energy used (grams CO2 / kg)

Gross Calorific Value (kWh / kg)

Weight of CO2 released per kg of fuel used (grams CO2 / kg)

how much more pollution released than wood pellets

Wood Pellets

25

4.85

121

-

Ecologs

25

5.50

138

x 1.1

Coal, standard

290

7.90

2291

x 18.9

Peat Briquettes

350

6.70

2345

x 19.4

Gas, bulk

350

7.09

2482

x 20.5

Oil, kerosene

280

10.18

2850

x 23.6

Electricity *

450

1.00

430

x 3.6

* The electricity figure does not include the emissions released during the generation of the electricity at the nearest turf, coal or oil fired power station.